Here is the list of all the roles for the mock trial. Feel free to look at all of the different roles to help you make the most out of your scripts.
Witness: King John Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üAs king I can determine the best decisions for England, and nobody’s voice is more important. üI’m in charge of all soldiers and should be able to control military actions üI already gave people power by signing the Magna Carta üI feel Citizens are members of a country first and a religion second üMagna Carta was signed against my will
Witness: Nobles and Barons - Barron Van Gingie Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWe have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful üLoyalty is what our society is based around üKing John is trying to expand our borders üHe signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Princess Fiona Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWe have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful üLoyalty is what our society is based around üKing John is trying to expand our borders üHe signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons - Barron Van Drewsen Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWe have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful üLoyalty is what our society is based around üKing John is trying to expand our borders üHe signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Fresh Prince of Bel Air Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üThe king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard üHe has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands üPays no respect to our opinions üRaises taxes with out providing and compensation/return üTogether/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Barron Van Squidward Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üThe king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard üHe has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands üPays no respect to our opinions üRaises taxes with out providing and compensation/return üTogether/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Lord Farquar Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üThe king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard üHe has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands üPays no respect to our opinions üRaises taxes with out providing and compensation/return üTogether/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Knights – Sir Lance A Little Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWants to conquer new lands üComes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero. üDoes what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis üRemembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again üSigned the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Shrek Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWants to conquer new lands üComes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero. üDoes what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis üRemembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again üSigned the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Bob of Sponge Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWants to conquer new lands üComes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero. üDoes what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis üRemembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again üSigned the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Ferb Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üMade many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to üHired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights üSent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully üHas been living off the image of his hero brother too long üIf he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Knights – Sir Phineas Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üMade many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to üHired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights üSent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully üHas been living off the image of his hero brother too long üIf he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Knights – Gavin De Granville Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üMade many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to üHired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights üSent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully üHas been living off the image of his hero brother too long üIf he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Monks – Brother Ranulf Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWilling to appoint new members to church positions üMore concerned with England than what someone in another country wants üHas offered and supported the church with money and land many different times üOffered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy üSupported our efforts in the crusades üPope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks - Michealengo Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWilling to appoint new members to church positions üMore concerned with England than what someone in another country wants üHas offered and supported the church with money and land many different times üOffered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy üSupported our efforts in the crusades üPope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks - Leonardo Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üWilling to appoint new members to church positions üMore concerned with England than what someone in another country wants üHas offered and supported the church with money and land many different times üOffered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy üSupported our efforts in the crusades üPope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks – Rafael Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üDenounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III üHad to bribe the church just to get back in favor üAppointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people üSigned the Magna Carta and then went back on his word üHired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Monks – Donnatello Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üDenounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III üHad to bribe the church just to get back in favor üAppointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people üSigned the Magna Carta and then went back on his word üHired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Monks – Friar Tucker Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points: üDenounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III üHad to bribe the church just to get back in favor üAppointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people üSigned the Magna Carta and then went back on his word üHired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Court Jester Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üMean boss, not as nice as his older brother üFeeds me scraps from the table like a dog üLaughed behind the backs of the nobles when the left his castle üMade people choose between the Church and England üCaused many nobles to revolt and unify against us. It made all castle workers scared for their lives
Witness: Peasant/Serf - Ringo Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - Paul Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - John Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - George Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Robin N. Da Hood Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Donkey Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points: üSigned the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone üBrother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all üOffered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day üHe focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief. üI heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Old Nurse Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Rapunzel Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Keeper John Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Pinocchio Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Cindy D. Rella Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Yogi D. Bear Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Boo Boo Beara Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points: üOnly looking out for own benefit üSends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes üThe Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too! üHe didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice üKing John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Mock Trial Jury Member Requirements:
ØA list of three reasons the king should be guilty and three reasons why the king should be not guilty. These should be things you would expect to hear in an expert witness’ testimony.
ØYour interpretation of 5 new (not used on web hunt) demands listed in the Magna Carta. This should include the demand and a (minimum) two sentence translation in your own words
ØAt least three punishments if the king is found guilty. They should range in harshness from easy to extreme. They should be accurate to the time period of the middle ages.
Defense Lawyer:
ØYou have been hired by King John to DEFEND him in the trial and your job is to
prove to the Jury that the King is innocent of all charges against him.
ØYou will work as a team with other lawyers to write an opening statement that is approximately a page long that summarizes why the King is innocent. Make sure to meet with the King to incorporate some of his story/words into your opening statement.
ØDuring the Trial, you will call up and interview witnesses that will be testifying on behalf of the King.
ØYou will take notes during the Trial which will be used to give your closing statement near the end of the trial and will be the last words the Jury will hear before making their decision.
Prosecution Lawyer:
ØYou have been appointed by the People of England to prove that King John is GUILTY of all charges against him.
ØYou will work as a team with other lawyers to write an opening statement that is approximately a page long that summarizes why the King is guilty. You may want to meet with other witnesses that will be testifying against the king to include their story/words into your opening statement.
ØDuring the Trial, you will call up and interview witnesses that will be testifying against the King.
ØYou will take notes during the Trial which will be used to give your closing statement near the end of the trial and will be the last words the Jury will hear before making their decision.
Witness: King John
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü As king I can determine the best decisions for England, and nobody’s voice is more important.
ü I’m in charge of all soldiers and should be able to control military actions
ü I already gave people power by signing the Magna Carta
ü I feel Citizens are members of a country first and a religion second
ü Magna Carta was signed against my will
Witness: Nobles and Barons - Barron Van Gingie
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü We have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful
ü Loyalty is what our society is based around
ü King John is trying to expand our borders
ü He signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Princess Fiona
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü We have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful
ü Loyalty is what our society is based around
ü King John is trying to expand our borders
ü He signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons - Barron Van Drewsen
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü We have become very wealthy with King John and other members of his family in charge and we should be grateful
ü Loyalty is what our society is based around
ü King John is trying to expand our borders
ü He signed the Magna Carta in an attempt to give us rights (trials)
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Fresh Prince of Bel Air
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü The king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard
ü He has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands
ü Pays no respect to our opinions
ü Raises taxes with out providing and compensation/return
ü Together/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Barron Van Squidward
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü The king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard
ü He has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands
ü Pays no respect to our opinions
ü Raises taxes with out providing and compensation/return
ü Together/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Nobles and Barons – Lord Farquar
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü The king has constantly not lived up to the legacy of his brother, King Richard
ü He has put our troops/knights in danger in foreign lands
ü Pays no respect to our opinions
ü Raises taxes with out providing and compensation/return
ü Together/united the Barons can be more powerful
Witness: Knights – Sir Lance A Little
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Wants to conquer new lands
ü Comes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero.
ü Does what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis
ü Remembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again
ü Signed the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Shrek
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Wants to conquer new lands
ü Comes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero.
ü Does what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis
ü Remembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again
ü Signed the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Bob of Sponge
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Wants to conquer new lands
ü Comes from a military family. His brother, King Richard is a national hero.
ü Does what he thinks is best for England on a day to day basis
ü Remembers who treated him poorly in the past and will not let it happen again
ü Signed the Magna Carta, giving up some of his personal powers as king
Witness: Knights – Sir Ferb
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Made many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to
ü Hired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights
ü Sent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully
ü Has been living off the image of his hero brother too long
ü If he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Knights – Sir Phineas
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Made many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to
ü Hired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights
ü Sent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully
ü Has been living off the image of his hero brother too long
ü If he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Knights – Gavin De Granville
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Made many Lords upset, and they are who I am loyal to
ü Hired mercenaries (hired soldiers) instead of paying the knights
ü Sent us to foreign lands (France) to fight in wars for his personal reasons unsuccessfully
ü Has been living off the image of his hero brother too long
ü If he was in total control nobody else’s opinion would matter
Witness: Monks – Brother Ranulf
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Willing to appoint new members to church positions
ü More concerned with England than what someone in another country wants
ü Has offered and supported the church with money and land many different times
ü Offered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy
ü Supported our efforts in the crusades
ü Pope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks - Michealengo
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Willing to appoint new members to church positions
ü More concerned with England than what someone in another country wants
ü Has offered and supported the church with money and land many different times
ü Offered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy
ü Supported our efforts in the crusades
ü Pope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks - Leonardo
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Willing to appoint new members to church positions
ü More concerned with England than what someone in another country wants
ü Has offered and supported the church with money and land many different times
ü Offered England as a fief of the Pope in order to make all parties happy
ü Supported our efforts in the crusades
ü Pope said that he signed the Magna Carta against his will
Witness: Monks – Rafael
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Denounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III
ü Had to bribe the church just to get back in favor
ü Appointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people
ü Signed the Magna Carta and then went back on his word
ü Hired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Monks – Donnatello
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Denounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III
ü Had to bribe the church just to get back in favor
ü Appointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people
ü Signed the Magna Carta and then went back on his word
ü Hired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Monks – Friar Tucker
Opinion: AGAINST King John
Speaking Points:
ü Denounced (rejected) by Pope Innocent III
ü Had to bribe the church just to get back in favor
ü Appointed Archbishop Langton against the wishes of the people
ü Signed the Magna Carta and then went back on his word
ü Hired mercenaries instead of using the crusaders loyal to his nobles
Witness: Court Jester
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Mean boss, not as nice as his older brother
ü Feeds me scraps from the table like a dog
ü Laughed behind the backs of the nobles when the left his castle
ü Made people choose between the Church and England
ü Caused many nobles to revolt and unify against us. It made all castle workers scared for their lives
Witness: Peasant/Serf - Ringo
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - Paul
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - John
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf - George
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Robin N. Da Hood
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Donkey
Opinion: FOR King John
Speaking Points:
ü Signed the Great Charter, the start of equal rights for everyone
ü Brother of Richard the Lionhearted, a hero to us all
ü Offered work as mercenaries, a better option than plowing fields all day
ü He focuses on the day to day of England, just like I focus on the day to day of life on a fief.
ü I heard he didn’t even want to sign the Magna Carta
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Old Nurse
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Rapunzel
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Keeper John
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Pinocchio
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Cindy D. Rella
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Yogi D. Bear
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Witness: Peasant/Serf – Boo Boo Beara
Opinion: Against King John
Speaking Points:
ü Only looking out for own benefit
ü Sends many knights off to foreign land when they should be protecting our homes
ü The Magna Carta does nothing for our rights, we’re people too!
ü He didn’t listen to the church when they give their advice
ü King John loves to raise taxes and that comes out of my pocket
Mock Trial Jury Member Requirements:
Defense Lawyer:
prove to the Jury that the King is innocent of all charges against him.
Prosecution Lawyer: